10 Best Ride Sharing Apps in Thailand : Know The UBER Alternative [Details]

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Ride sharing apps have become increasingly popular in Thailand over the past few years. More and more people are using these apps to get around cities like Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Ride sharing offers a convenient and affordable way to travel, while also reducing traffic congestion and pollution.

There are now numerous ride sharing platforms operating in Thailand. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. This article will provide an overview of the 10 best ride sharing apps in Thailand as of November 2023, looking at key factors like coverage, pricing, availability and user ratings.

10 Best Ride Sharing Apps in Thailand

10 Best Ride Sharing Apps in Thailand

1. Grab

Grab is by far the most popular and widely used ride sharing app in Thailand. The Singapore-based company launched its services in Bangkok in 2014 and has since expanded nationwide.

Coverage: Grab has the most extensive coverage of any ride sharing platform in Thailand. It operates in major cities and towns across all regions of the country.

Pricing: Grab offers fixed rate pricing with the ability to see the fare upfront before booking. Dynamic surge pricing applies during peak demand times. Overall, Grab pricing is quite affordable for most trips.

Availability: With so many drivers on the platform, Grab has excellent availability. Wait times are generally just a few minutes in urban areas.

Key features: Cashless payment, ability to book just a seat rather than the whole car, GrabFood delivery, parcel delivery, and more.

User ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Positive reviews praise the widespread availability and reasonable prices.

2. Bolt

Previously known as Taxify, Bolt is an Estonia-based ride sharing company that launched in Thailand in 2018. It’s emerging as a major competitor to Grab.

Coverage: Bolt has a strong presence in Bangkok and is rapidly expanding to other popular tourist destinations like Phuket and Chiang Mai. Coverage is not yet as extensive as Grab nationwide.

Pricing: The pricing model is similar to Grab, with upfront fixed rates shown before booking. Bolt claims to offer 10% lower prices than competitors.

Availability: Still building up driver numbers, so availability isn’t on par with Grab yet. Wait times can be 5-10 minutes in central areas.

Key features: Cashless payment, option to chat directly with drivers, ability to favorite locations.

User ratings: 4.3 out of 5 stars on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Positive feedback on low prices but some complaints about long wait times.

3. All Thai Taxi

All Thai Taxi is a ride sharing app exclusively focused on registered taxi drivers around Thailand.

Coverage: Operates in Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and a handful of other tourist destinations around the country.

Pricing: Metered fares just like regular taxis. Often works out cheaper than Grab or Bolt, especially for longer trips.

Availability: As it uses regular taxis, availability depends on proximity to taxi stands or being able to flag down a taxi on the street. Wait times vary.

Key features: Cashless payment, ability to book a taxi pickup in advance, ride tracking.

User ratings: 3.5 out of 5 stars on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Reviews say it’s a good alternative to overly expensive regular taxis.

4. Gojek

Gojek is an Indonesian ride sharing and delivery service that has started expanding into Thailand over the past year.

Coverage: Gojek operates solely in Bangkok at this stage. Coverage is limited to central parts of the city.

Pricing: Slightly higher base fares than Grab but no surcharges during peak times. Promotional discounts often offered.

Availability: As Gojek is still new in Bangkok, there can be longer wait times of 10-15 minutes for rides to arrive.

Key features: Order food delivery, send packages, clean home services via app along with ride sharing.

User ratings: 4.0 out of 5 stars on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Reviews say good prices but limited coverage.

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5. Get

Get is a motorcycle taxi and food delivery service popular in Bangkok. It’s distinctive for offering rides on two-wheeled vehicles only.

Coverage: Focused in central Bangkok. Also operates in Pattaya and Phuket. Limited to urban areas only.

Pricing: Very affordable, often less than 50 baht for short trips. Dynamic surge pricing applied during busy times.

Availability: Get has huge fleets of motorcycle drivers signed up, ensuring fast availability throughout their coverage zones.

Key features: See driver details and motorcycle type before booking, fast point to point trips across congested city areas.

User ratings: 4.2 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store and 4.1 on Google Play Store. Reviews praise convenience and low cost.

6. Line Man

Line Man is the ride sharing component of the popular messaging app Line. It can only be accessed via the Line app.

Coverage: Major cities across Thailand including Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and more. Not as extensive as Grab yet.

Pricing: Usually slightly more expensive than Grab but runs frequent promotions with discounted rides or credits.

Availability: Still building up driver fleet, so average wait times are 5-10 minutes.

Key features: Track driver on a map, share trip with Line contacts, seamlessly integrated payment and calling.

User ratings: 4.0 out of 5 on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Solid reputation but lacks coverage outside big cities.

7. Levita

Levita is a new premium ride sharing service catering to business travelers in Thailand. It offers only luxury vehicles like BMW sedans and Mercedes vans.

Coverage: Currently limited to Bangkok and Phuket only. Covers major business districts, hotels, airports and shopping areas.

Pricing: Very expensive, often 5-10 times the price of regular Grab or taxi rides. But on par with hotel limousine services.

Availability: As it has a small fleet focusing on commercial passengers, availability is limited. Needs to be booked farther in advance.

Key features: High-end vehicles, business facilities like WiFi, professional drivers, bottled water.

User ratings: 5 out of 5 on the Apple App Store but only 10 total ratings. Not yet on Google Play. positive feedback on service and vehicle quality.

8. BiGo Bike Taxi

Bike taxis offer an alternative way to zip through congested urban areas in Thailand. BiGo is a popular brand focusing on short distance rides and first/last mile transportation.

Coverage: Operates bike taxi stands throughout Bangkok and central Pattaya. Designed for neighborhood level trips rather than citywide travel.

Pricing: Most trips are 20-50 baht depending on distance traveled. Pricing is very affordable and trips are much faster than cars in heavy traffic.

Availability: As it uses bike taxi stands on busy streets, availability is hit or miss based on location. Works best for impromptu short trips rather than pre-booked rides.

Key features: Get a fun ride on the back of a motorcycle taxi, travel quickly through traffic-clogged areas.

User ratings: None, as it can’t be booked via an app. Feedback tends to be positive among locals who use the service regularly.

9. Indriver

Indriver is an international ride sharing platform that launched in Thailand in 2020. It has a growing community of drivers in Bangkok.

Coverage: Bangkok only at this stage. Currently covers most central parts of the city, with expansion plans underway.

Pricing: Drivers set their own rates. Passengers can view price before booking and select the best fare. Often ends up cheaper than Grab.

Availability: Still limited driver numbers within Bangkok, so average wait times are around 10 minutes or more.

Key features: Browse driver profiles before booking, female driver option for solo women, daily deals and promotions.

User ratings: 4.3 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store but only 50 ratings so far. Not yet available on Google Play in Thailand. Positive feedback on low prices.

10. Wheels on Demand

Wheels on Demand is a Thai startup focusing on long term car rentals through their app. Ideal for visiting expats or travelers staying for 1-6 months.

Coverage: Focused in Bangkok for now but plans to expand to tourist destinations in the future.

Pricing: Offers affordable monthly car rental packages that include insurance, maintenance, etc. Much cheaper than standard monthly rental from mainstream companies.

Availability: As it’s car rental rather than ride sharing, you book the use of a full vehicle for an extended time period. Availability depends on fleet size, harder to find cars during peak seasons.

Key features: Long term cheap car rental, maintenance included, good for foreigners staying for an extended time.

User ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store but only 20 total ratings so far. Not on Google Play yet. Positive feedback on service and vehicle condition.

Key Factors When Choosing a Ride Sharing App

Here are some of the main factors to consider when deciding which ride sharing platform to use in Thailand:

  • Coverage – Consider which apps operate in the city or region you’ll be traveling in. Grab has the widest nationwide coverage.
  • Availability – Newer apps often have longer wait times due to fewer drivers. Check average wait times in reviews.
  • Pricing – Compare the pricing models and average fares of each app. Bolt emphasizes low prices.
  • ** keyed features** – Some apps offer extras like food delivery, long term rental, female drivers etc. Choose one tailored to your needs.
  • User ratings – Read the user reviews on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to see real customer feedback.

FAQs About Ride Sharing App in Thailand

Here are some quick answers to common questions people have about using ride sharing apps in Thailand:

Is ride sharing safe to use in Thailand?

Yes, ride sharing apps like Grab are generally very safe to use in Thailand’s major cities. Drivers undergo background checks and vehicles are traced via GPS. As always, exercise common sense when traveling.

What are the main forms of ride sharing transportation in Thailand?

Mostly cars and SUVs, but motorcycle taxis like Get are also popular, especially in traffic-congested urban areas. Some higher end services use luxury vehicles like Mercedes vans.

Can I pay cash for rides booked via apps in Thailand?

Most Thai ride sharing platforms are fully cashless. Grab does allow cash payments in some cases. Apps like AllThai Taxi can calculate metered fares that you then pay directly in cash.

Are ride sharing apps cheaper than regular taxis in Thailand?

Often yes, ride shares can be 30-50% cheaper than regular taxi meter fares for comparable trips. But pricing varies between the different apps. AllThai Taxi provides regular taxis at metered rates via an app.

Do Thai ride sharing drivers speak English?

In major cities, many Thai ride share drivers speak at least conversational English, especially on Grab. Communication is rarely a problem. Some apps like Bolt allow texting drivers directly in the app.

Can I use ride sharing apps to travel between cities like from Bangkok to Phuket?

Most ride sharing platforms in Thailand only operate within cities, not between them. But Grab now offers GrabCar intercity travel between Bangkok, Pattaya and Chiang Mai.

The Bottom Line

Ride sharing apps provide an incredibly convenient and affordable way to get around during your visit to Thailand. The top apps like Grab, Bolt and AllThai Taxi make exploring cities like Bangkok a breeze. Just download one or two apps before your trip for maximum convenience and cost savings.

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